PRESS RELEASE

KELLEHER SLAMS CORK COUNTY COUNCIL

Billy Kelleher today stated that Cork County Council’s recent decision to defer the publication for the draft county development plan to March 2001 is a very regrettable step.

“At a time when the Government is going to extraordinary lengths to try and provide development land for housing this deferral of the County Development Plan could have major repercussions for Cork County.”

“Firstly it will place further pressure on house prices, which are already well out of the reach of many people. Secondly, it will make it more difficult for Cork County Council to access funding for infrastructural developments namely water, sewerage and roads.”

“In a era of escalating house prices it is vital that Cork County Council plays its role in ensuring that the supply of development land beings to exceed the demand. While many factors are contributing to high house prices all experts are agreed that the over riding problem is the lack of serviced development land.”

“While variations to the present development plan have been carried out there is potential for further variations. It is not good enough for a local authority in a time of unprecedented economic growth to delay the adoption of a County Development Plan.”

While Cork County Council have informed the Minister of their decision to delay the County Development Plan. Billy Kelleher, has urged the Minister responsible for housing to refuse this request.

“Everybody in positions of authority have a duty to ensure that the inflationary pressure on house prices is addressed so that young people can get on the home purchase ladder.”